Safely Transporting Electric Vehicles by Sea: Challenges & Solutions

The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is well underway, and with global sales surging, it shows no signs of slowing. In 2023 alone, EV sales grew by a remarkable 35% year-over-year, surpassing 14 million units sold worldwide. As the world shifts towards cleaner transportation, it is estimated that EVs will account for 65% of total car sales by 2030. The trend for electrification is broader than that of cars alone. Trucks, vans, buses, and other commercial vehicles are also increasingly going electric, contributing to the growing number of EVs loaded on board ships as cargo.

The Booming EV Market and its Challenges for Maritime Vehicle Transport

While this rapid adoption of EVs is a positive step towards reducing global carbon emissions, it inevitably presents new challenges for ship operators, masters and crews. One of the most pressing concerns is the potential fire risk posed by the lithium-ion batteries that power EVs. These batteries can ignite and are notoriously more complex to extinguish than traditional gasoline fires.

Recent incidents, such as the EV fires on vehicle carriers like the Felicity Ace and Fremantle Highway, have raised alarm bells within the maritime industry. These events underscore the need for ship operators to adapt their vessel designs, fire safety systems, and crew training to transport EVs safely.

Maritime regulatory bodies, such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) (https://www.imo.org/), grapple with this evolving landscape. Updated safety standards for EV transport are expected to be introduced by 2027, updating that given in MSC.1/Circ.1615.

Proactive Measures by Ship Operators

Forward-thinking ship operators are leading the charge in mitigating the risks associated with EV transport. These proactive measures are setting new standards for maritime safety:

• Pre-Loading Assessments: Some operators thoroughly check EV battery conditions before loading vehicles onto ships. This proactive approach helps identify potentially high-risk cars before they become a problem at sea.
• Banning Onboard EV Charging: Companies like DFDS have implemented strict policies prohibiting EV charging while on board their vessels. This simple yet effective measure significantly reduces the risk of battery-related incidents during transit.
• Advanced Firefighting Equipment: In addition to training, companies invest in cutting-edge firefighting equipment designed specifically to tackle EV fires. This includes specialised extinguishing agents and tools capable of addressing lithium-ion battery fires.
• Specialised Firefighting Training: Recognising the unique challenges posed by EV fires, operators such as Brittany Ferries are investing in specialised training programs for their crew members. This ensures personnel have the knowledge and skills to handle EV-specific emergencies.
• DFDS, for example, has shown leadership by implementing defensive measures such as banning EV charging while on board its vessels. Meanwhile, Brittany Ferries has invested in specialist EV firefighting training and equipment for crew members.

Conclusion

The rise of EVs is an exciting development that promises a cleaner, greener future for transportation. As ship operators adapt to this new reality, they can play a vital role in facilitating the global shift towards electric mobility by establishing and sharing best practices for their safe carriage at sea. Proactively addressing the challenges of transporting EVs, the maritime industry can help pave the way for a more sustainable future.

Article by GP | Course Author | VIRSEC Ltd

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To learn more about the best practices for safely transporting EVs and managing lithium-ion battery risks at sea, consider enrolling in VIRSEC‘s specialist e-learning course on Lithium-ion Battery Safety on Ships for Seafarers. Reach out to us today to discover how this course can help you navigate the challenges of the EV revolution.